Why I Mini is an interesting story, and I ask you to stay with me. So, grab your popcorn and buckle up…. here we go…
2018 was the last time I ran the Indy Mini, and it was my 2nd time running it and I LOVE the race and everything it stands for. I live right outside Louisville, KY, and don’t mind driving 2 hours for the race…that’s how much I love the race.
Well, 2018’s race was a little different, I was in a lot of pain when I ran it, and like most runners, I just thought it was typical overuse injuries. It would turn out that my C3 through C5 vertebrae were compacted and pushed against my neck. Later that year, (Christmas Eve, to be precise) I would have spinal fusion surgery…so 2018’s Indy Mini still is the last of my 11 half marathons I have done.
After having the spinal surgery, I had to take all of 2019 off from fitness to recover. Then, as I was slowly making my way back in 2020, my life would be altered in ways that I am still in the wake of dealing with.
On January 28th, 2021, I tested positive for Covid. I became one of the few who would become a Covid Long Hauler. It is coming up on 2 years and I permanently have Asthma, Covid Brain Fog, and Covid Migraines (which are much worse than my previous normal migraines ever were). Every three months I have follow ups with my Neurologist, Cardiologist, and Pulmonologist. I don’t remember from January to May of 2021 because I had a 103.1 fever. During this time, I got up to over 280lbs and had taken home oxygen (on top of plenty of hospital visits) for 6 months because I couldn’t get my oxygen levels above 80.
I had Gastric Sleeve surgery on September 29th, 2021, and had a goal weight of 170lbs, and now weigh 160lbs with 3% body fat, and am proud of the hard work I have put in in coming back from all the aforementioned I have gone through since 2018.
While I am signed up and doing The Greatest Spectacle Challenge (The Miler Series, the 5K, and the Indy Mini), when I line up on May 6th, 2023, it will be a 5-year return journey, both as an Indy Mini Ambassador and an Indy Mini participant. It is my comeback half marathon. You may see me shed some tears of pure joy along those beautiful 13.1 miles and I will definitely be stopping to kiss those gorgeous bricks! Ever since I started racing 12 years ago, I always race in a Superman shirt with my children’s handprints in puffy pants with their ages on the back (I like to think they are pushing me when I get tired). I will be easy to spot, so please feel free to say, “Hi” and let’s get a picture together!
This is Why I Mini.
Much Love, Corey.